Global General

Special

Newsmaker

Asia Pacific

America

Middle East

Europe

Africa

Army: Suspect said 'Allahu Akbar!' before shooting

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-06 21:28

This photo from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Web Site shows Nidal Malik Hasan. [Agencies]

FORT HOOD, Texas: The base commander at Fort Hood says soldiers who witnessed a shooting rampage that left 13 people dead reported that the gunman shouted "Allahu Akbar!" before opening fire at the Texas post.

Related readings:  Fort Hood: Another victim of shooting rampage dies  Army: Fort Hood shooting rampage suspect is alive  12 die, 31 wounded in Fort Hood shooting

Lt. Gen. Robert Cone told NBC's "Today" show on Friday that suspected shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, made the comment, which is Arabic for "God is great!" before the rampage Thursday that also left 30 people wounded.

Military officials say they are still piecing together what may have pushed Hasan, an Army psychiatrist trained to help soldiers in distress, to turn on his comrades.

Cone says Hasan was not known to be a threat or risk.

Hasan was shot four times during the rampage. Cone says he is hospitalized in stable condition and that military officials will interrogate him as soon as possible.